pigmentacija

Pigmentacija refers to the natural coloration of biological tissues such as skin, hair, and eyes. This coloration is primarily determined by the presence and distribution of pigments, which are molecules that absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, resulting in the perception of color. The most significant pigment in humans and many other animals is melanin.

Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces brown and black hues, and pheomelanin, which produces red and yellow hues. The relative amounts and distribution of these melanin types, along with other less prominent pigments like carotenoids and hemoglobin, contribute to the diverse range of skin, hair, and eye colors observed across populations.

Pigmentacija plays a crucial role in various biological functions. In the skin, melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and protecting cells from DNA damage, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer. The amount of melanin in the skin is influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposure to UV light. Individuals with darker skin generally have more melanin and are therefore better protected against sun damage.

Changes in pigmentacija can also be indicative of underlying health conditions. For instance, conditions like vitiligo result in the loss of melanocytes and the appearance of depigmented patches of skin. Conversely, conditions such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can cause an increase in melanin production, leading to darker patches of skin. The study of pigmentacija is therefore relevant to both basic biology and clinical medicine.